Shepherd gored by elk in Utah, survives after 5-mile trek

Sep. 6, 2013
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Elk are seen at Yellowstone National Park. / Rich Abrahamson, The Coloradoan

by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

MOAB, Utah (AP) - A wild bull elk gored a shepherd in the mountains in eastern Utah, puncturing one of the man's lungs, knocking him unconscious and forcing him to later walk several miles to get help from a friend.

The friend sought out state wildlife officials, who aided in saving the man's life the next day.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports the lifesaving efforts happened Wednesday in the La Sal Mountains east of Moab.

Wildlife officials say they were loading crates used to relocate wild goats when a sheepherder approached and started speaking to them frantically in Spanish.

A Spanish-speaking officer helped determine the man's friend was injured, and the friend led officers to the hurt man.

Officers say 31-year-old Peruvian sheepherder Hugo Macha was gored Tuesday evening and later walked about 5 miles to find his friend.

Officers bandaged Macha and gave him oxygen before he was airlifted to a hospital.

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